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Michaelting Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Go _

Go make me a cup of tea or go and make me a cup of tea.

What is the correct answer?
  

Top answer

Dear Lichael, Both versions work just fine, and either could be more or less commanding depending on the context in which it is said. Inflection would also play a role in how the phrase it is perceived. Hope this helps.

  • Dear Lichael, Both versions work just fine, and either could be more or less commanding depending on the context in which it is said.
  • Inflection would also play a role in how the phrase it is perceived.
  • Hope this helps.
  • John
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8 Answers
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Dear Lichael,

Both versions work just fine, and either could be more or less commanding depending on the context in which it is said.

Inflection would also play a role in how the phrase it is perceived.

Hope this helps.

John
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Thanks!

Which one, in your opinion, would be more formal?
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It would depend entirely upon the context and how the phrase was said, what words were emphasized and what inflection the speaker used.

The funny thing about these two phrases is that depending on how they are said, either one could be more formal than the other.

That's English for you !?!

You're welcome.

John
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Hi,

Go make me a cup of tea. I don't see this as formal at all.


Go and make me a cup of tea. This could be formal. But I would say that as the formality of the situation increases, so the inclusion of overt politeness usually increases. Very few of us are in a
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Just in case it's not already clear from the previous replies, you should know that both of your statements sound very rude -- as if you're speaking to a servant. If you do in fact have servants, they probably don't care about the difference between "go make" and "go and make." If you're speaking to anyone else, "please make me a cup of tea" would be much better. ("Go" also contributes to makin
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Hi,

The only place where I see a lot of commands issued without 'please' is on this Forum.
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I attribute it to ignorance of the language and/or the culture, not to any deliberate attempt to offend.

Besides, the mere addition of please cannot soften some imperatives much at all.

Please go polish my shoes, you worthless slave.
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Hi,

Please go polish my shoes, you worthless slave.

Sounds like they need a marriage counselor.

Does anyone know if 'please' or some equivalent is not a feature of some of the main language/cultural groups we encounter here on the Forum?

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